How to Teach Kids a Language (and Keep Them Interested!) Using a Reward Jar
We’ve all been there—cajoling our little ones into learning something new, only to see their eyes glaze over as soon as the work begins. Teaching kids a second language, especially while juggling travel, school, and daily life, can feel like an uphill battle. But here’s the secret to making it fun, engaging, and, dare we say, rewarding: the magical power of the reward jar.
Not only is this an easy activity for kids, but it’s a fantastic way to introduce them to the joys of language learning through a hands-on and incentive-driven approach. Whether you’re looking to teach your kids a few key phrases before a trip abroad or give them a fun challenge while traveling with kids, this simple technique can spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for a new language—without the tears.
What’s a Reward Jar?
If you haven’t seen the Instagram reel yet, let me give you a quick breakdown of what we’re talking about. The reward jar is a super simple, effective, and totally customizable tool that you can use to motivate your kids during language learning activities. Here’s how it works:
- Fill the jar with “rewards.” These could be anything from small toys, stickers, or even a special treat they love.
- Assign points or tasks. For every correct answer or language-related task your little learner completes, they earn a point or a token to put into the jar.
- Get creative with the “tasks.” You can ask your kids to repeat new words, make sentences, or even act out a word in their new language.
- Once the jar is full, reward them! When the jar is full, it’s time for the big prize. This could be a fun outing, a special treat, or even a new book to continue their learning journey.
And voila! You’ve got yourself a language-learning game that’s as fun as it is educational. Keep scrolling to see the reel, and the amazing accents my kids learned!
Why Use a Reward Jar to Teach a Language?
You might be asking, “Why not just do traditional flashcards or language apps?” Well, here’s the thing: the reward jar brings a sense of playfulness and tangible motivation that can keep kids engaged for the long haul. We all know that kids thrive on rewards (don’t we all?), and when they can see the progress they’re making as they work towards filling the jar, it gives them a sense of achievement.
Travel with kids? This method works wonders. While on the road, you can take breaks to teach simple words in a new language, using the reward jar to keep them motivated. Want to make that restaurant experience abroad memorable? How about asking them to say “hello” in the local language for a sticker? The possibilities are endless, and the best part is you can take this learning tool anywhere!
Getting Started with the Reward Jar
Ready to dive in? Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up your own reward jar for teaching language to kids.
1. Choose Your Language
First things first: what language do you want to teach? Maybe you’ve always wanted your kids to know Spanish before your next vacation to Mexico, or you’ve planned a trip to Italy and want them to learn a few words before you land. Whether it’s a few basic phrases or an entire vocabulary list, choose the language and keep it manageable.
Pro tip: Start with simple, everyday words. Think greetings, food, colors, and basic verbs like “run,” “eat,” and “sleep.” These are words your kids will encounter all the time.
2. Pick Your Jar (and Fill It)
You don’t need anything fancy for your reward jar. You can easily find a cute jar on Amazon, like this adorable jar here, or you can repurpose an old container. The key is that it’s clear enough for your little ones to see how close they are to filling it. Plus, this jar is small enough to be portable, so you can take it on your travels.
Next, you’ll need to fill your jar with small rewards. Depending on your kids’ interests, this could include:
- Stickers (because, really, who doesn’t love a good sticker?)
- Extra screen time (let’s be real, this is always a popular option)
- A small toy or trinket (a cool keychain, eraser, or mini action figure)
- A special outing (ice cream after a week of successful learning!)
You get the idea. The rewards don’t need to be expensive, but they should be something your kids value and look forward to.
3. Set the Rules
Now, it’s time to establish how your kids will earn their rewards. You can keep it simple by setting one rule per reward, like “earn a point for every word repeated correctly.” Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, make it more interactive. For example:
- Say a word in the target language: Earn one token.
- Use a word in a sentence: Earn two tokens.
- Act out a word: Earn three tokens.
- Complete a mini language challenge (like a game or quiz): Earn five tokens.
You can even integrate your reward jar into regular activities to make it less “work” and more fun. For instance, ask your kids to say the word for “apple” in French before they get their snack. Or challenge them to say “good morning” in Italian at breakfast. Small tasks that feel like little games can make the learning process exciting and rewarding.
4. Keep It Visual and Motivating
As your kids learn new words, make it visual! Every time they earn a token, they get to see the jar filling up. The act of seeing their progress helps keep them motivated and excited about continuing to learn.
If you’re traveling with kids, this becomes even more fun. You can connect the language to the places you’re visiting, and each time you check something off their learning list, they’ll be even more excited to practice with the locals.
5. Be Consistent (and Patient!)
Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. While the reward jar will motivate your kids to engage with the language, you’ll need to be patient and consistent. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice, whether it’s before meals, during a walk, or even in the car. The more often they hear and practice the language, the more confident they’ll become.
It’s okay if they don’t remember every word right away. Language learning is a process, and the reward jar keeps the mood light while also reinforcing their achievements.
Fun Ways to Integrate the Reward Jar into Your Routine
If you’re looking for easy activities for kids that tie into your reward jar system, here are a few fun ideas:
- Flashcard Frenzy: Create a set of flashcards with pictures on one side and the word in the target language on the other. For every correct answer, your kids earn a token to add to the jar.
- Language Scavenger Hunt: Hide objects around the house or yard that represent words in the language you’re teaching. When your kids find an object, they have to say the word in the language to earn a token.
- Story Time: Read books in the target language or tell a simple story where they can learn new words. For every word they repeat or understand, they earn a token.
These activities keep things fresh and ensure your kids are having fun while they learn.
The Rewards Keep Coming (and So Does the Fun)
Once your reward jar is full, celebrate your kids’ hard work! You can turn it into a special family event, like a “language celebration” where you do something fun together in the language of your choice. Take them to a restaurant that serves food from the country where the language is spoken. Or perhaps you could have a mini “language day” where everyone speaks only in the language of choice, making it a fun way to practice real-world scenarios.
Final Thoughts
Language learning doesn’t have to be stressful or boring. With a reward jar, you turn it into an exciting and motivational game that your kids will look forward to every day. And when you’re traveling with kids, the opportunities for learning become even more immersive and fun.
Whether you’re teaching them Italian, Spanish, French, or another language, the reward jar is the perfect tool to keep your kids motivated and engaged. So, the next time you’re preparing for a trip or just want to make language learning more fun at home, grab your reward jar, fill it with goodies, and get ready to see your kids’ language skills (and their smiles) soar.
Now, let’s get those little linguists learning! Grab your reward jar today on Amazon and start the journey to a more multilingual (and happy) family. Reward Jar on Amazon.
